Reply to "15" collapsible spare tire"

At one time you could get folding-sidewall spares in 14"x6" (std Pantera), 15" and 16" (never delivered on Panteras). They have apparently all been factory-discontinued, because I tried to contact Ford, BFG, Goodyear and others for info for a POCA article 2 yrs ago. NO ONE returned my messages and the tires are not to be found on any known websites. Vredelstein is rumored to still make them but they also do not return messages- including from their main office in Europe. Tire Rack does not list them, and a human rep was less than helpful- only suggesting Vredelstein after I explained what they were.

Best bet if yours is cracked from ozone/smog: go to a wrecking yard and buy the best looking one you can find. Regardless of what you might hear, they CAN be mounted/dismounted onto new rims but only by a competent tire shop. Stay far away from those that are used to throwing tires at an automatic machine that does everything by someone pushing a button.

Our car carries a 15" x 7" Goodyear collapsible spare from a mid-'80s Buick, mounted on a dragrace-only spun-aluminum rim. The light rim works because the spare is only good for 50 miles max, at up-to-50 mph speeds. It clears Wilwood calipers & stock 11.5" OD rotors. I also got the gray felt spare cover from the Buick's trunk and trimmed it to fit. Matches the Pantera front trunk upholstery perfectly & may keep smog damage away from the rubber.

Porsche used to include 15" and 16" folding-sidewall spares; maybe they still do. Also remember to periodically check the vital inflator bottle & valve-stem adapter, as they leak pressure. And some STILL fill the things with PROPANE which makes them a BOMB in my opinion. They are known to 'cook off' under high trunk temps & high altitude. It WILL dent trunk lids front or rear if it happens to you.